(MVA) — Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority took their message about the importance of tourism to Koblerville Elementary on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
The outreach team engaged fourth graders with information and activities highlighting the Marianas’ primary economic driver, how it impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even at a young age.
The outreach was conducted by MTEC Acting Chairwoman Vicky Benavente, MTEC Board Member Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort Saipan), and MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda.
“The energy and enthusiasm of the students at Koblerville Elementary School are positive signals that tourism is still on everyone’s mind,” said Policare. “The kids were responsive to questions, very attentive and blown away with some of the imagery shared of our islands. The Marianas are a beautiful part of the world. I hope our visitors get to meet some of our students because they are ready to welcome them to our island home!”
Aranda shared about the work of the various divisions of MVA, including upcoming community projects such as May Tourism Month and the 24th Annual Taste of The Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden scheduled for every Saturday in June at Garapan Fishing Base in Saipan.
MTEC and MVA are entering their final month of visiting all public schools this school year with the message, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”
The MTEC presentation includes information on the number visitor arrivals, source markets, travel motivations, the benefits of tourism, careers in travel and tourism, and ideas on how students can engage with tourism.
Other MTEC board members are Martin Duenas (MVA), Dr. Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications), Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), and Gordon Marciano (PDI).
At this month’s board meeting, long-time board volunteer Dr. Yunzi Zhang of Northern Marianas College School of Business was also elected to the board.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Member Glenn Policare engages students of Koblerville Elementary at the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on March 28, 2023, at the school.
Students of Koblerville Elementary who have participated in a signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority respond to MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at the educational outreach presentation of MVA and the Marianas Tourism Education Council at the school on March 28, 2023.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Acting Chairwoman Vicky Benavente welcomes students of Koblerville Elementary to the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on March 28, 2023, at the school.
